The Maharashtra Government Has Told School Canteens To Stop Stocking Junk Food

After the hullabaloo around the proposed fat tax, the Maharashtra government has taken some decisive steps; its banned the sale of junk food in school canteens. It hopes that this move will help battle lifestyle problems like obesity.

The Problem With Junk

The government resolution bans all foods which have high levels of fat, salt and sugar – HFSS foods.

“HFSS food has very little vitamins and minerals… (Their consumption raises the chance of obesity) and other related diseases among children. The effects can be seen on a child’s academic performance.”

The Alternatives

The government has also suggested alternatives to the junk food including freshly made foods like rice, vegetables, rajma, kchidi, payasam, chapatis and vada sambar. It also suggests swapping out soft drinks for coconut water, lemonade and jaljeera.

The government is appealing to school principals and administrators to ensure that its orders are carried out.